Specialized Study in Intercultural Competence
For Non-Degree Seeking International Students
The Florida State University recognizes that no matter where our students are from, their lives and livelihoods are affected by global, political and economic forces. On a day-to-day basis our students will interact with persons whose cultural backgrounds and worldviews differ from their own. As an institution of higher learning committed to preparing its students for life and work in the 21st century, the Florida State University strives to give each of its students opportunities to develop the intercultural competencies required for success in this globalized world.
ELIGIBILITY
This Specialized Study opportunity is for non-degree seeking international students who are on campus for up to two academic semesters. Students need to initiate participation in the certificate during the first semester.
PURPOSE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY
Through completion of this opportinity, students may:
- Discover and acquire new information about U.S. co-cultures.
- Experience first hand how identity, culture, and worldview shape intercultural interaction.
- Develop an attitude of respect, openness, curiosity and discovery in interactions with others.
GETTING STARTED
Each student will submit, and meet with the Program Director of Special Academic Programs to discuss his or her Specialized Study Plan. This plan will include a list of the proposed four courses and a theme on which the student has chosen to focus.
REQUIRED COMPONENTS
A. FOUR PRE-APPROVED FSU COURSES WITH RELEVANT CULTURAL CONTENT
Each student will complete four courses with relevant cultural content. These courses must be pre-approved by the Program Director for Special Academic Programs.
B. EIGHT WRITTEN REFLECTION ESSAYS ABOUT PARTICIPATION IN EIGHT EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES
Each student will complete eight Reflection Essays. Reflection Essays may be written about student participation in activities designed for informal social interactions (an afternoon at the Center for Global Engagement’s Coffee Hour), educational events (an evening concert or lecture), experiential learning activities (a football or basketball game), or service learning activities (volunteering at Habitat for Humanity or at the Animal Shelter).
C. A SYNTHESIS PAPER
After seeking final approval for the topic of the Synthesis Paper, the student will write a five-page paper about their overall experience at FSU, pulling together things they have learned in and outside the classroom and focusing on the theme that they have established in their Specialized Study. They will submit a first draft to the Program Director of Special Academic Programs and a Final Draft to the Specialized Study Committee.
If you have any questions about the Specialized Study in Intercultural Competence please contact:
Laura Dobson, Program Director
Special Academic Programs
(850) 645-9226 or ldobson@admin.fsu.edu